With over 500 cars available to choose from in Xbox's mega-popular racing game Forza Horizon 5, players must select wisely when taking on various types of races. For instance, offroad or cross country racing is less dependent on fast acceleration and topline speed and far more reliant on stamina, durability, handling, suspension, and AWD offroad capabilities to navigate pavement, dirt, sand, rocks, cliffs, mountains, jungles, and more.
Moreover, cross country races require vehicles designed for long-distance racing, which sets them apart from typical offroad dirt cars made for quick sprints and shorter races.
2014 Local Motors Rally Fighter
With a sleek racecar tube design situated atop a massive suspension system and gigantic tires, the 2014 Local Motors Rally Fighter is an A-Class off-roader sure to give competitors a leg up in a cross country battle. Rough, rugged, and ready for all types of terrain, the lightweight (3800-pounds) behemoth boasts a perfect 10 offroad score.
With wheels patterned after classic Baja offroad SUVs and a 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 engine, the Rally Fighter boasts an above-average speed rate (6.0) that is likely to keep it out in front of most competitors even if it gets sidetracked off the road in the popular Xbox exclusive game.
2016 Jeep Trailcat
Thanks to its massive 40" rock-climbing tires that give it a perfect 10 offroad score, the 2016 Jeep Trailcat is another extremely reliable vehicle for long-distance offroad racing. The A-Class vehicle also holds above-average speed (6.2) and acceleration (5.5) than most off-roaders to remain in front of the pack.
Designed to participate in the long-distance Easter Jeep Safari in Utah, the Trailcat operates a powerful 6.2L twin-screw supercharged V8 engine that can produce over 700 horsepower to help the jeep bend and careen over any type of surface. It's a great cross country racer as well as a fun vehicle to explore the vast open-world Mexican map in the game.
2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Forza Edition
For players looking to leave cross country racers in the dust, try driving the superbly versatile 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Forza Edition. Thanks to its perfect 10 launch and acceleration scores to go with its stellar 8.1 offroad ratings, the S1-Class car will torch competitors off the starting line, and remain ahead of most long-distance vehicles.
With 7.0 speed and handling scores as well, the tricked-out supercar will reach a maximum of over 200 mph thanks to its naturally aspirated F6 engine. And even if it does veer offroad, the suspension and steering are strong enough to stay in control while maintaining a lead on rival racers. As such, it's able to rival even the fastest cars in the game.
2554 AMG Transport Dynamics M12s Warthog CST
Crossed over from the Halo series, the fictional 2554 AMG Transport Dynamics M12S Warthog CST is an absolute road-grating monster. The A-Class military-civilian hybrid comes with perfect 10 launch and offroad scores to go with a highly impressive 8.6 acceleration rate.
Due to its huge 8.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that can crank out 720 horsepower and all-wheel-drive layout, the M12S can blaze across the most unforgiving topography with ease. With an advanced suspension system, giant tires, and an offroad chassis, the M12S will get out in front of a cross country race and more than likely stay there for the long haul.
2017 Ford 25 "Brocky" Ultra4 Bronco
Ford Broncos have traditionally ranked among the most durable and competitive cross country racers in the Forza series. In Horizon 5, the 2017 Ford 25 "Brocky" Ultra4 Bronco bests the newfangled 2021 Bronco thanks to its superior acceleration (6.1) rate. The A-Class SUV also boasts a perfect 10 offroad score.
Revving up a 7.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine able to churn out 600 horsepower, Brocky's relatively lightweight 4500-pound chassis enables the car to outpace most rivals. Moreover, the AWD car has a heavy-duty TH400 3-speed transmission to reduce shifting and allow the gas pedal to hit the metal for longer stretches.
1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution
The 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution is one of the most versatile cars in the game capable of excellent drifting, top-tier rally car racing, as well as cross country offroading. The pricey S2-Class jack of all trades comes with an 8.3 offroad score to go with a blazing 9.5 acceleration rate and a 7.6-speed score. It even handles (6.5) better than most offroaders.
Weighing under 2500-pounds, the RS200 Evo uses a small but powerful 2.1L turbocharged I4 engine to create 750 horsepower. With excellent handling around corners and the ability to stay in control even when drifting, the car is more than conquering any road surface while staying ahead of most competitors.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR "Welcome Pack"
Also adept at rally car racing, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR is best used for cross country races via the "Welcome Pack" upgrade. The A-Class all-wheel-drive upgrade boasts a balanced stat line of 8.1 offroad, 9.2 acceleration, 7.1-speed, and 5.8 handling scores.
While some of the perfectly-rated offroaders may be able to handle slightly rougher terrain than the Lancer, most of them pale in comparison to the combination of speed and acceleration thanks to its turbocharged I4 engine that will likely keep the Lancer ahead of the pack.
2020 Ford Bronco 2069 R "Welcome Pack"
Most Forza Horizon 5 fans will agree that the best overall vehicle to use for cross country racing is the 2020 Ford Bronco #2069 R available via the Welcome Pack upgrade. This is almost certainly due to the car's equally balanced 9.9 launch and offroad scores paired with its 8.8 acceleration rate. With an above-average 6.1-speed rate to boot, the Bronco 2069 will take on any surface without mercy.
Available early on in the game, the Bronco 2069 is clearly the most superior cross country racer off the production line. Some of its competitors may be able to overtake with the right tunes but few cars off the lot will outlast it in a long-distance offroad race.